A place in the sun Presenter Jonnie Irwin has died at the age of 50, just over a year after revealing to the public that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
On November 13, 2022, Irwin revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020. After initially keeping his illness private, the host said he decided to speak publicly after being told the cancer had spread from his lungs. even your brain.
“I've gotten to the point where I feel like I'm carrying a dirty secret, it's become a monkey on my back,” he said.
News of his death was announced on Friday (February 2) on the presenter's Instagram account.
In December 2022, Irwin revealed that he was forced to continue working after his terminal cancer diagnosis because he was unable to take out critical illness cover.
Appearing on the ITV breakfast show This morningIrwin told hosts Gethin Jones and Kimberley Walsh that he wished he had done things differently.
“When you receive a terminal diagnosis, [the insurance] It covers you for when you’re gone,” he said.
“But a terminal diagnosis can last for years and will affect… your illness affects your work, so if you can't work and you're waiting for this payment, who's going to pay the rent?
“So critical illness is a policy that goes along with that and kicks in as soon as you get sick.”
Not taking out critical illness cover has proven to be a major source of stress, Irwin admitted.
“I didn't take that and that put a lot of pressure on me having to work on days when I didn't want to go to work, and that's a mistake that I tell everyone,” he said.
Jonnie Irwin at the 2010 TV Choice Awards
(Getty Images)
Throughout his treatment, Irwin had been working tirelessly to renovate his family home in Newcastle and had been sharing the progress of his renovations with his fans on social media.
He first realized something was wrong during filming in August 2020. After experiencing blurred vision while driving, he sought medical attention and was “given six months to live.”
The presenter initially kept his illness a secret, but went public in December 2022 after learning that the cancer had spread from his lungs to his brain.
He said Hello! magazine, who “doesn’t know how much time I have left,” but hopes his words inspire people to “make the most of every day.”
Irwin claimed the Channel 4 show dumped him after he told them about his terminal diagnosis, claiming the host “pushed him aside for someone healthier”.
“They said, 'We don't think we can get the insurance,' not 'We can't get the insurance,' but 'We don't believe…' That broke my heart and affected my mental health,” she said. said Sun.
Just two weeks later, “someone else was on TV doing my job,” Irwin said, adding, “I feel like I've earned a little more from them after 18 years.”
Irwin on 'A Place in the Sun'
(Channel 4)
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Jonnie's passing. A truly extraordinary soul, he bravely fought cancer with unwavering strength and courage. “Jonnie touched the lives of many people with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit,” read the post announcing Irwin’s death on Friday, February 2, along with a photo of Irwin and his wife Jessica Holmes.
“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie's family as they navigate this profound loss. His pain is immeasurable and we deeply appreciate his thoughts, prayers and support.
“As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts. Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but her love, her laughter, and her memories will live on.
“Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. We will miss you very much, but we will never forget you.”
Follow the latest tributes here.
